September 9, 2024
Geopolitical unrest between the kingdoms of Shinara and Eshtera complicates a nomadic foursome’s journey in Leong’s quirky debut. Tao, the eponymous Shinn fortune teller, travels Eshtera offering clients brief, inconsequential glimpses of their future. After ex-mercenary Mash helps Tao evade a fallen tree, she repays him with one such prophecy, foreseeing that he will give his daughter a kitten. She doesn’t realize that his daughter, Leah, has been missing for six months and that he’s desperately searching for her. Mash is skeptical of Tao’s talents, but he and his best friend, Silt, an ex-thief, demand to accompany her to her next town in case she offers any more clues to Leah’s whereabouts. Kina, a baker craving adventure, also joins them after Tao sees a vision of Kina traveling with her. Along the way, the quartet faces down threats including anti-Shinn prejudice, a cursed sentient rock troll with existential ennui, and a magefinder eager to conscript Tao. Leong does a good job of balancing adventure, friendship among endearing outsiders, and humor with a thoughtful exploration of immigrant struggle. This whimsical and heartfelt tale is sure to win admirers. Agent: Paul Lucas, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc.
March 1, 2025
Traveling throughout the kingdom of Eshtera, Shinarian fortune teller Tao encounters ex-mercenary Mash and his friend Silt, a mostly reformed thief. Tao decides to accompany the pair as they search for a lost child. Along the way, they welcome baker Kina and a bedraggled cat with magical powers. Throughout the adventures that follow, Tao learns to trust, letting down her walls and accepting the love of the motley group. Soon, however, her past begins to catch up with her, and she is forced to consider how far she will go to protect her newfound family. Leong's cozy debut novel is a heartwarming story about the importance of found family, reckoning with the past, and finding one's destiny. Phyllis Ho narrates Tao and the gang, offering easy pacing that matches the steadiness of the journey. Ho skillfully taps into the enveloping, warm tone, capturing the wistfulness and waywardness of this group of wanderers. VERDICT Leong's novel is a gentle, comforting listen, enhanced with endearing characters and well-tailored narration. Share with fans of Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes.--Elyssa Everling
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